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Jul 21, 2019

Oklahoma Fried Onion Short Rib Burgers

Oklahoma Fried Onion Short Rib Burgers are created by smashing the ground beef into a mound of thinly sliced onions to create a burger infused with the flavors of crispy caramelized onions.

Evidently, fried onion burgers were invented in Oklahoma during the depression because beef was expensive and onions were cheap. They are kind of like a Smashburger, because you press the meat onto the onions and deeply brown both on a hot skillet.
The onions end up caramelized, and the beef is infused with the sweet flavor of the onions. You can use any kind of onion you like. The trick is to slice them as thinly as possible so that they will cook as quickly as the burger.

Typically, Oklahoma burgers are made with 85 percent lean ground beef. In this case, I decided to try making my own ground beef out of boneless short ribs just because I love the flavor of short ribs, and I wanted to make a bodacious burger.

How do you make an Oklahoma Fried Onion Short Rib Burger?

First, if you want to grind your own short ribs for these burgers, you will need to cut the beef into 1/2 inch cubes and freeze them in a single layer for about 30 minutes so the beef will be easy to grind in your food processor.

Next, grind the beef in batches in the food processor with the metal blade, and then pick out any gristle that remains. You can also make a blend of ground short ribs and 85 percent lean ground beef (or just use ground beef). Form the meat into balls.

While the meat is in the freezer, thinly slice a large onion (if you have a mandoline slicer, it would be great to use it for this recipe), salt them and let them drain for 30 minutes. Next, place them into mounds on a baking sheet.

Place the beef rounds on top of the onions and press down to create patties with the onions sticking to the beef. Heat a large nonstick skillet with butter in it over medium heat, and transfer the beef and onions to the pan, onion side down.

You will cook the burger and onions on the first side for about 6 to 8 minutes, until the onions and beef are a deep golden brown color. Next, flip the burgers and onions and cook the burgers over high heat for 2 to 3 minute. Place the burger, onion side up, on a toasted bun with American cheese. The cheese will melt from the heat of the burger.

You can serve these burgers with all of your favorite toppings. I served mine with dill pickles, mustard, and a homemade 1000 Island extra peppery burger dressing.

18 comments:

I love that you grind your own meat. It isn't hard to do and when there is a good price on top round but not on ground beef I have been known to do it so I have options. I would love the grilled onions pressed into the patty as well.

We had a restaurant near our house when I was growing up that served burgers like these. I LOVED them. I can't wait to try your recipe. I always grind my meat using my kitchen aid attachment with great results.